Skip the ticket; show up anyway.

Tickets can be very expensive, and as a startup founder, I couldn’t justify spending thousands. So I decided to skip the ticket and just go to the same city where the trade show was happening. The best conversations often happen outside the event—in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, and nearby restaurants. Trust me, you don’t need to be inside the venue to make excellent connections.

Do the outreach beforehand.

Before I landed, I did my homework. I contacted people I knew would be attending, set up coffee meetings, and scheduled casual lunches. This took a bit of LinkedIn outreach and some emails, but it paid off. I had meaningful one-on-one conversations, all without the noisy, crowded exhibit floor.

Work the vicinity of the trade show

Most trade shows and conferences have an outside zone/seating for coffee and networking. I used that area to get work done, while keeping an eye out for people that I wanted to meet for a quick handshake. You never know who you’ll meet; those chance encounters can lead to big opportunities.

Focus on Relationships, Not Sales

Since I wasn’t under the pressure of having a booth or a big-ticket expense to justify, I focused on building real relationships. I wasn’t pushing for sales—I was simply meeting people, getting to know them, and finding ways to follow up later.

Ask Customers if You Can Represent Them

One creative way to attend trade shows without breaking the bank is by leveraging your existing customer relationships. It’s always worth asking your loyal customers or clients if you can tag along, represent them, or attend the event on their behalf. By doing this, you may gain free or discounted access to the event while still promoting your own brand. Customers attending the trade show might appreciate the additional representation, especially if they can’t send a full team themselves. This also gives you the chance to meet potential partners, prospects, or other companies in their network while staying within budget.

At the end of the trip, my total expenditure was a fraction of what it would’ve cost to attend the trade show officially. Flights, hotel stay, a few coffees, and a couple of lunches, but I still walked away with solid connections—and even potential deals. People want to see you in-person and showing up gives your brand credibility.

In 2020, I was chatting with LINK’s small crew about how we had just 1 female engineer on the team and how that needs to change. Fast forward to now, and it’s amazing that the collective hiring and culture effort has turned us around to being quite close to a women’s majority!

My resolution is to do everything possible at LINK to create a perfect woman’s workplace.

Here’s my list of takeaways and “Must Do’s”:

• Gender diversity is not accidental, which means it needs a thoughtful and persistent effort. Generally, 9 out of 10 applications that we get for engineering roles are from male applicants. To change that, I believe every aspect of the company—from the branding, job postings, to the language we use in all our communication—needs to be welcoming to women. In our recruiting efforts, we keep the search going until we have a big enough pool of female applicants. Women who are already working at LINK are encouraged to bring referrals of female candidates from their network.
• That said, branding, recruiting, and language will not suddenly bring in female employees if the culture/environment are not truly supportive of a woman’s needs. For example, I asked an Air India employee in Stockholm (mother to a 2-year old who was instrumental in making our work trip happen) about how she managed to pull this off with a toddler. She said it was because of the trust and flexibility that her manager consistently placed in her that motivated her to go the extra mile, including how her maternity leave was handled.
  We (and I am sure many other startups) offer a similar level of flexibility, but we have to go deeper and consider if each employee in the organization, without fail, represents those values and is supportive towards female employees on his/her team.

•  It is critical to sensitize the workforce on sexual harassment, acceptable protocols, and etiquette. In India, the POSH law requires companies of all sizes to ensure their employees have undergone the necessary training.  The training is important but not enough – HR together with leadership needs to proactively enforce timely interventions and ensure that every employee knows that their concerns will get heard and addressed.
  There is sufficient evidence that a diverse workforce results in higher productivity and profits. So I am hopeful that the startup founders reading this article will also take steps to make their respective companies more diverse and inclusive.

Sriram Subramanian

Here at LINK!, we know firsthand the happiness and support that pets provide. This is why we have a policy that allows employees to bring their pets to work.

We hope that our pet policy will help make our workplace more animal-friendly for our employees and their families. The inclusion of pets in the office has the potential to increase happiness, decrease stress, and strengthen bonds among team members, in our opinion. Who among us doesn’t adore a playful puppy wagging its tail or a furry cat snuggled up in a corner, purring away?

How Office Pets Can Relieve Stress

An individual’s general health and output can be significantly improved with the company of a furry pet while working. Pets make people happier, less anxious, and better able to concentrate, which in turn makes for a more pleasant and productive work environment.

Petting an animal, such as a dog or cat, can have a calming effect on your anxiety and stress levels. These mild-mannered friends bring comfort and camaraderie, allowing you to centre yourself and enjoy the here and now. Their ability to love without conditions might provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.

Pets as Cultural Ambassadors and Conversation Starters

Pets in the workplace have the potential to greatly enhance teamwork and communication. These furry friends have a knack for making people feel more at ease and bringing everyone together.

Pets in the Workplace: A Unique Employee Perk

For many employees, their furry companions are an integral part of their lives, and the ability to bring them to work can be a significant factor in their job satisfaction and overall well-being. By embracing a pet-friendly culture, companies demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ happiness and work-life balance.

By providing companionship, promoting physical activity, and offering a sense of purpose, pets can significantly contribute to improving mental health and overall quality of life.

At LINK!, we feel that taking care of our mental health is as crucial as reaching our professional objectives. Today, we present some of our team members’ hobbies, which help them decompress and achieve balance.

 Meet Akram, Athul, Kamal, and Suraj, four team members at LINK who find motivation and inspiration in unconventional outdoor activities. Beyond the realm of code and applications, these individuals have struck a good balance between their professional endeavors and their adventurous personalities.

 Akram and Athul,  motorbike fanatics, find comfort on the open road. When they’re not integrating applications, you may find them on the winding trails, enjoying the freedom of two wheels. The thrill of the journey, as well as the ever-changing scenery, fuels their love of technology and adventure.

 Kamal, on the other hand, enjoys going off-roading and getting off the usual route. For him, tackling difficult terrain is the ultimate stress relief. The joy of overcoming difficult challenges and exploring unexplored territory refreshes his mind, allowing him to approach his work with newfound vigour and originality.

 Suraj, a hiking master, takes refuge in nature’s beauty. He explores the wide outdoors, one trail at a time, breathing in fresh air and taking in spectacular views. This connection to the natural environment allows him to refresh and obtain a new perspective, allowing him to attack his coding issues with clarity and purpose.

The exhilaration of riding their motorcycles on wide highways is second only to that of coding for Akram and Athul. When they’re not busy integrating applications, they enjoy the freedom and adrenaline rush that come with exploring the country on two wheels.

Akram’s passion for riding is fueled by the sound of the engine, the wind blowing against his face, and the vast stretch of tarmac in front of him. It is a hobby that lets him get away from his desk and enjoy the great outdoors, leaving the strains of work behind with each mile he completes

Motorcycle riding has been Athul’s cherished hobby since childhood, driven by an early fascination with internal combustion engines. Over the years, this passion has only grown stronger, fueled by a keen interest in the technology behind these powerful machines. Athul has diligently gathered knowledge and honed his skills in maintaining and taking excellent care of all his motor vehicles.

Weekends are a dedicated time for this hobby, often spent engrossed in maintenance work or embarking on exhilarating rides with fellow enthusiasts. Over the past decade, Athul has pushed his limits through off-roading and track riding, embracing the challenges and thrills they offer.

This hobby not only provides Athul with a sense of freedom and adventure but also a profound satisfaction in understanding and mastering the intricate workings of motorcycle engines.

Speaking of Akram – his passion for bikes started during a trip to Hampi with his friends. He saw a convoy of motorcycles and was inspired to buy his own. His first bike was a Himalayan. Gradually, he gathered biking accessories and later joined a biking group. Today, Akram’s motorcycle is more than simply a source of mobility; it represents his zest for life and ability to achieve a balance between his professional interests and his adventurous personality.

Kamal’s passion for off-roading stems from an unquenchable appetite for adventure and a strong admiration for nature’s rough beauty. For him, the genuine essence of freedom is found in deviating from the usual road, where the tarmac ends and the untamed forest begins.

 Kamal sets off on adventures, traveling through dangerous terrains that test both his talent and his passion to drive. Each off-road adventure demonstrates Kamal’s tenacity and ability to adapt to new conditions. Whether navigating muddy bogs or mounting precipitous cliffs, he appreciates the opportunity to push his limitations and put his mettle to the test against nature’s tough challenges.

Hiking, for Suraj, is more than just a physical activity; it is a meaningful connection with nature that renews his mind, body, and soul. As a developer, he takes refuge in the peace of nature’s trails, where the noise and bustle of the digital world recedes into the background.

 Suraj immerses himself in the stunning vistas around him with every step he takes. The fresh mountain air fills his lungs, providing him with a sensation of independence and clarity.

 Hiking is more than just a hobby for Suraj; it is a way of life that allows him to unwind and find equilibrium in the fast-paced world of programming. As he travels across the difficult terrain, he feels a sense of success and gratitude for the natural beauty that surrounds him. Each path offers a fresh challenge, a chance to stretch his limits and discover hidden jewels that most people miss.

 So, why not take their lead? Find your own passion, step outside of your comfort zone, and enjoy the adventure that awaits. The pleasures are limitless, whether you are exploring new territory on two wheels, overcoming rough terrain, or simply immersing yourself in nature’s splendor.

Throughout the years, fathers’ roles have changed significantly. Fathers were traditionally viewed as the family’s primary provider of income, acting as the family’s pillar. The expectations and responsibilities of modern fatherhood have been reshaped, nevertheless, by shifting perspectives and cultural changes.

Fathers are now more widely acknowledged as equal partners in raising children, actively contributing to their social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The days of dads being passive participants in the parenting process are long gone. Modern dads are taking a more involved role in raising their children, enjoying the rewards and difficulties of doing so with their spouses.

This evolution has been driven by a number of factors, including changing gender roles, a greater understanding of the importance of paternal involvement, and a desire for closer family ties. Fathers now realize the significant influence their presence and involvement can have on their kids’ development, self-worth, and general well-being.

Technology as a Parenting Tool

For modern fathers, the digital age has brought about a revolutionary shift in their parenting style. With so many tools and resources at their disposal, technology has emerged as a father’s greatest ally, enabling him to interact with his kids in ways never seen before.

Fathers no longer have to rely only on conventional parenting techniques or consult a small number of sources for guidance. They now have access to a wealth of information thanks to the internet and mobile devices, which helps them stay informed and make wise decisions about the growth, health, and general well-being of their children.

Additionally, dads now have more opportunities to strengthen their relationship with their kids through shared digital experiences thanks to technology. Dads can explore, learn, and play alongside their children on engaging platforms offered by interactive apps, educational games, and virtual reality environments. This fosters a stronger bond and understanding between the two parties.

One of the best examples of a contemporary, tech-savvy father embracing the opportunities and difficulties of raising a child in the digital age is Akshay Tomar, QA lead at LINK!. He has embraced technology as a father to improve his relationship with his child and have special moments together.

Using virtual assistants like Alexa is one way Akshay has made use of technology. He often gets his kid involved in things like watching cricket matches on their Alexa device and dancing to Punjabi music videos. These shared experiences help his child develop a love of sports and music while also exposing them to the wonders of technology at a young age.

Akshay thinks that his child’s development has greatly benefited from his increased involvement and presence at home, made possible by remote work opportunities. By spending more time together, Akshay has been able to share his passions, such as playing cricket and football, with his child. Because of his hands-on approach, his child has been able to develop a keen interest in these sports and skills, which has strengthened the bond between father and child.

Furthermore, he admits that technology plays a part in making parenting problems and questions simpler to solve. He understands that having so much information and resources at our disposal can enable parents to make better decisions and better meet the needs of their kids.

For Akshay, adopting the flexibility and work-life balance that technology provides is part of being a father in the modern digital era. He values being able to strike a balance between his work obligations and spending quality time with his child, making enduring memories and strengthening their relationship.

Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age

The digital era has revolutionized the way fathers approach work and family life. With the advent of remote work and flexible schedules, modern dads like Akshay can strike a better balance between their professional responsibilities and their roles as involved parents. Technology has empowered fathers to be more present in their children’s lives, fostering stronger bonds and creating cherished memories.

Akshay’s experience is a testament to this shift. As a QA lead at LINK, he can often work from home, allowing him to witness his child’s milestones and participate in their daily routines. This newfound flexibility enables him to be an active participant in his child’s upbringing, rather than merely a weekend presence.

Embracing the Digital Dad

For modern fathers, a transformative era has begun with the advent of the digital age. With the help of technology, fathers can now better balance work and personal life, connect with their kids through common interests, and use virtual assistants to help with parenting. 

Dads who embrace technology are better able to be involved, attentive, and aware of their kids’ needs. In addition, fathers can now teach their kids digital literacy skills so they are prepared for the future thanks to the digital landscape. Modern fathers can deepen their understanding of their children’s passions, build stronger bonds with them, and nurture their interests by skillfully incorporating technology into their parenting style.

Fathers who fully embrace technology will be in a better position to handle the challenges of contemporary parenting as the world changes. Through the effective use of digital tools and resources, parents can open up new possibilities for learning, connecting, and making enduring memories with their kids.